Jacques Chanier Trio: Quilt (2003)

No stars
How we rate: our writers tend to review music they like within their preferred genres.

The second release from this fresh New England trio features an eclectic patchwork of styles. As on Kite Flight, pianist Jacques Chanier settles on a formula that employs original compositions as a springboard for creative expression. The trio moves fast and furious one moment, quiet and dreamy the next. Alternative percussion sounds and unusual electronic effects add a dramatic flair to several pieces.

Chanier’s strength lies in his love of the straight-ahead tradition and the manner in which he peppers his interpretations with new kicks. Quilt swings with a blues tinge that reflects the music’s sensitive nature. At the same time, the session fills with excitement. “Dance for Peace” takes a tour of the world’s myriad native musical thoughts. Brooke Sofferman’s udu drum creates a fascinating landscape for the trio's exotic themes. “Announcement” features Thomson Kneeland’s fluid electronics in tandem with a lustrous piano theme by Chanier. Together they form open-ended impressions that point in many directions at once.

Most of the session captures familiar, mainstream objects and turns them around with a fresh infusion of ideas. By combining the essence of Monk and Miles with new innovations, his trio scores big on its highly recommended Accurate Records debut.